RESIDENTS of Hartlepool have to register as voters by Monday if they want to have their say in a referendum for a directly-elected mayor.

On October 18, the public will vote to say whether they want an elected mayor to run Hartlepool Borough Council.

The mayor would be supported by a cabinet of councillors.

If the majority of people vote yes to an elected mayor an election will take place next May.

If a no vote is chosen, the council must adopt a leader and cabinet system, similar to the present structure.

There are presently more than 68,000 names on the electoral register, but council chiefs say they are anxious that no one misses out on the referendum vote.

Brian Dinsdale, chief executive, said: "This referendum is so important to Hartlepool."

Anyone who lives in Hartlepool and is over 18 on the day of the referendum is entitled to vote.

People wanting to register as voters should get a form from the Civic Centre but it must be returned by Monday.

The referendum forms will come through the post in October in a bid to encourage more people to vote.